Metformin alleviates colitis-associated colorectal cancer via inhibition of the TLR4/MyD88/NFκB/MAPK pathway and macrophage M2 polarization.

Background: Colon inflammation plays an essential role in the development and progression of colorectal cancer. Emerging evidence from clinical and animal studies indicates that metformin may reduce the risk of colorectal cancer through its anti-inflammatory effects.

Aims: To investigate the efficacy of metformin in reducing the risk of colorectal cancer and the possible pathways and mechanisms.

Magnesium isoglycyrrhizinate attenuates nonalcoholic fatty liver disease by strengthening intestinal mucosal barrier.

Background: Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD)/nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) has recently risen to the top spot among chronic liver diseases in the world. However, there are no recognized treatments for it. Magnesium isoglycyrrhizate (MgIG) has potential as a NAFLD/NASH therapy.

Therapeutic effect of indirubin-loaded bovine serum albumin nanoparticules on ulcerative colitis.

Indirubin is considered to have promising potential in the treatment of ulcerative colitis (UC). However, poor aqueous solubility and low bioavailability limit its clinical application. We produced indirubin-loaded bovine serum albumin nanoparticles (INPs) and characterized their drug encapsulation efficiency, drug-loading capacity, capacity to release indirubin and short-term physical stability.

Metformin protects against intestinal barrier dysfunction via AMPKα1-dependent inhibition of JNK signalling activation.

Disruption of the intestinal epithelial barrier, that involves the activation of C-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK), contributes to initiate and accelerate inflammation in inflammatory bowel disease. Metformin has unexpected beneficial effects other than glucose-lowering effects. Here, we provided evidence that metformin can protect against intestinal barrier dysfunction in colitis.

[Risk factors of pain during colonoscopic examination].

Objective: To investigate the risk factorsthat predict pain during colonoscopy for decision of sedation or analgesia before the examination.

Methods: A total of 283 consecutive patients undergoing colonoscopicexamination at Nanfang Hospital between July, 2016 and September, 2016were retrospectively analyzed. The clinical data and visual analogue scale after the examination were analyzed to identify the risk factors for pain during colonoscopy using univariate analysis and multivariate logistic regression.

Chlorophyll catalyse the photo-transformation of carcinogenic benzo[a]pyrene in water.

Algal blooms cause great damage to water quality and aquaculture. However, this study showed that dead algal cells and chlorophyll could accelerate the photo-transformation of benzo[a]pyrene (BaP), a ubiquitous and persistent pollutant with potently mutagenic and carcinogenic toxicities, under visible light irradiation. Chlorophyll was found to be the major active substance in dead algal cells, and generated a high level of singlet oxygen to catalyse the photo-transformation of BaP.